figure out

verb

figured out; figuring out; figures out
Synonyms of figure outnext

transitive verb

1
: discover, determine
try to figure out a way to do it
2
: solve, fathom
figure out a problem

Examples of figure out in a Sentence

a book of brainteasers that even a really clever person won't have an easy time figuring out
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Martin is still figuring out his plans for after graduation. Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026 These were all things the Storm should have been celebrating afterward, but yet, for the second week in a row, the coaches and players will be headed back to the film room to figure out what went wrong. Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026 My friends who have trans children today have books and social media communities and in-person communities and online courses and so many other ways to figure out how to support their children. Benny Peterson, Vogue, 4 May 2026 Scientists are still figuring out the full benefits of GLP-1s. Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for figure out

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of figure out was in 1825

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Figure out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/figure%20out. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

figure out

verb
1
: find out, discover
try to figure out a way to do it
2
: solve
figure out a problem

More from Merriam-Webster on figure out

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster